But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream!

Transcription

1 When you pass through the waters I will be with you. I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream!

2 Organ Prelude Elegy George Thalban-ball Call to Worship Dear friends, we are here today to be refreshed by the waters of life, to share dreams and promises together down by the riverside, and to remember those who have crossed the River Jordan and now walk with you in the cool of the afternoon. As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. Psalm 42 In the beginning, when the mountains rose and the rivers ran, God had a vision; of pyramids along the Nile, temples along the Yangzi, cities along the Euphrates, river boats along the Mississippi, species too numerous to name along the Amazon, castles along the Danube, and life along the rivers of the world. Observe the commands of the LORD your God, walking in obedience to him and revering him. For the LORD your God is bringing you into a good land a land with brooks, streams, and deep springs gushing out into the valleys and hills; a land with wheat and barley, vines and fig trees, pomegranates, olive oil and honey; Deuteronomy 8:6-8 This year we have added our tears to the waters of life. We watched in horror as the sea water became a tsunami of destruction. We cried when we lost members of our family. The Ganges and the Jordan, and streams without names are still polluted. And more of God s children had neither running waters nor streams of righteousness. Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. The wild animals honor me, the jackals and the owls, because I provide water in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland, to give drink to my people. Isaiah 43 From the beginning, God had a vision that all his children would receive water without price, and drinks without pollution. God saw the day when no one would ever be thirsty, and all the nations would share the waters of life. Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost. Isaiah 55 And in the fullness of time, at a high noon, just outside of town, Jesus met with an unnamed woman. He gave her living water, the water that quenches our soul s thirst, and revealed that he was the Messiah. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. John 4 & Matt. 5

3 Opening Hymn Wade in the Water #2107 Faith We Sing Refrain: Wade in the water. Wade in the water, children. Wade in the water. God's a-gonna trouble the water. See that host all dressed in white, The leader looks like the Israelite, See that band all dressed in red, Looks like the band that Moses led, Look over yonder, what do you see? The Holy Ghost a-coming on me, Tales by the Riverside Memorial Liturgy Leader: Jesus said, I am the Resurrection and I am life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, yet shall they live. Whoever lives and believes in me shall never die. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and last, the beginning and the end. Because I live, you also shall live. Tonight we celebrate and remember those who heard you calling their name. People: O God, of both the living and the dead, we praise your Holy Name for all your servants who have finished their course in faith. We pray, that encouraged by their example and strengthened by their fellowship, we may partake with them in the inheritance of the saints in light. Bishop: We give thanks to you, O God, for our Bishops, who this year have finished their labors: absent from the body. People: Present with the Lord. Leader: We give thanks to you, O God, for our Bishops life companions, who this year have finished their labors: absent from the body. People: Present with the Lord. Leader: We give thanks to you, O God, for our ordained and diaconal ministers, who this year finished their labors: absent from the body. People: Present with the Lord. Leader: We give thanks to you, O God, for our diaconal and clergy mates, who this year finished their labors: absent from the body. People: Present with the Lord Leader: We give thanks to you, O God, for our pastors children, who this year finished their earthly journeys: absent from the body.

4 People: Present with the Lord Bishop: We give thanks to you, O God, for those whom we name in our hearts and who have been faithful to your call and glorified you with their life and work: (Please share aloud the names of the saints you remember this night:) absent from the body. People: Present with the Lord Bishop: Let us pray: All: O God, we thank you for all those remembered here. For the manner in which they modeled what it is to choose life, we celebrate their faithfulness in triumph over death through the power of the resurrected Christ. Let us cherish their memory, celebrate their ministries, continue their work, and live in hope that one day we shall once again meet face to face. In Christ s name, we pray. Amen. Hymn For All the Saints UM Hymnal #711 For all the saints, who from their labors rest, Who Thee by faith before the world confessed, Thy name, O Jesus, be forever blessed. Alleluia, Alleluia! Thou wast their rock, their fortress and their might; Thou, Lord, their captain in the well fought fight; Thou, in the darkness drear, their one true Light. Alleluia, Alleluia! O may Thy soldiers, faithful, true and bold, Fight as the saints who nobly fought of old, And win with them the victor s crown of gold. Alleluia, Alleluia! O blest communion, fellowship divine! We feebly struggle, they in glory shine All are one in Thee, for all are Thine. Alleluia, Alleluia! And when the strife is fierce, the warfare long, steals on the ear the distant triumph song, And hearts are brave again, and arms are strong. Alleluia, Alleluia! From earth s wide bounds, from ocean s farthest coast, Through gates of pearl streams in the countless host, Singing to Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Alleluia, Alleluia! Scripture Revelation 22:1-5

5 Affirmation of Faith We believe God started the universe with a Big Bang and a shout of Joy. We believe the earth and all its creatures, particles, and landscapes, are considered holy and good by God. We believe God loves every person without conditions. We believe each person is of infinite value. We believe God gives us limitless second chances. We believe everyone is gifted by God, and given a purpose to heal and transform the world. We believe Jesus Christ made God's love visible, and that in Christ we see God most clearly revealed. We believe Christ s Spirit is with us in every Bible story, every act of worship, every occasion of joy and sorrow, and every moment of wonder and hope. We believe there is no question too tough or too embarrassing to ask God. We believe that God answers prayers, We believe that one day all wrongs will be made right, all disease and sickness will be healed, evil in every form vanquished, and even death itself will be transformed We believe everyone is welcome in church. We believe church is home to those who are learning to live by faith, We believe that we do not have to agree with each other in order to care for each other. We believe whenever we work for hope, justice, peace, truth, and reconciliation, we are doing God's work in the world. We believe Jesus invites us join him on a faith journey that will be an adventure beyond our wildest dreams, and that one day God will welcome us Home. Amen Tales by the Riverside Offering Korean Dream Harp Emsemble Holliston UMC This evening's offering will support the Japan Emergency Advance Special, supporting the work of our United Methodist Committee on Relief to provide assistance and long-term rehabilitation throughout Asia and the Pacific Region following this spring's Tsunami emergency. Please give generously to our sisters and brothers as they work with UMCOR to re-build and begin anew! Doxology Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; Praise God, all creatures here below: Alleluia! Alleluia! Praise God, the source of all our gifts! Praise Jesus Christ, whose power up lifts! Praise the Spirit, Holy Spirit! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

6 Prayer of Great Thanksgiving Communion Liturgy God be with you in all love. Lift your hearts to God above. It is right and good to give our thanks and praise. Holy, holy, holy Lord God of power, might, and love earth and heav n, in one accord Sing out their praise. Sing Hosanna to the Lord, to the Christ, the one who comes in the holy name of God, to heal and save.. Preached the good news to the poor fed the hungry, and proclaimed freedom, life to all oppressed, a brand new pledge. En la noche en que el Senor dio su vida, pan tomo, lo rompio, lo compartio: Recuerdenme Then he took the common cup, new forgiveness lifting up. Thanking God, he gave to all: Remember me. Our selves we give. We embrace his mystery How he died and was set free How he rose; he ll come again. In him we live Pour your Spirit, gift divine, On these gifts of bread and wine and on all who gather here to give you thanks. May these gifts become for us blood and body of our Lord so that we in turn may be life for the world By your Spirit make us one with each other and with Christ, and in service to the world, till Jesus comes. Now to you, the Three-in-One Maker, Spirit, Christ, the Son be all glory, thanks, and praise for ever more. We remember God in Christ As we offer sacrifice Holy, living gratitude.

7 Serving Eucharist (congregation sings hymns during communion) Tales by the Riverside Hymn Shall We Gather at the River UM Hymnal #723 Shall we gather at the river, where bright angel feet have trod, with its crystal tide forever flowing by the throne of God? Refrain: Yes, we'll gather at the river, the beautiful, the beautiful river; gather with the saints at the river that flows by the throne of Go On the margin of the river, washing up its silver spray, we will walk and worship ever, all the happy golden day. Ere we reach the shining river, lay we every burden down; grace our spirits will deliver, and provide a robe and crown. Soon we'll reach the shining river, soon our pilgrimage will cease; soon our happy hearts will quiver with the melody of peace. Benediction Bishop Swenson Postlude Ceremonial March Herbert Sumsion Thank you to the Worship Team that made this service possible: Rick Uhls, Mark Wiley, and the annual conference worship team. The Prayer of Great Thanksgiving was written by Jill Coley Robinson for the Pan Methodist Gathering in Panama City. Affirmation of Faith written by Mark Wiley. The hymns are from the UM Hymnal and Faith We Sing and were used with permission. Photos are copyright free. Our thanks and prayers also go with the families and friends of those remembered tonight. The remembrances about each person were graciously provided by the families.